Communication Studies

Department of Communication Studies, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

We focus on the centrality of human communication for understanding our relationships, our communities, and ourselves. Our teaching, scholarship, and service nurture inclusive discourse, critical thinking, and cooperative solutions in a diverse global community. We offer opportunities to develop communication skills and explore communication theories within a rigorous liberal arts program.

Communication competencies and critical cultural consciousness are essential for active participation in societies, as is the ability to think critically about the nature and purpose of communication, in all its forms, in our rapidly changing and increasingly interdependent world. In addition, employers in the private, public, and non-profit sectors highly value culturally sensitive and competent communication skills that reflect critical thinking. Communication Studies graduates therefore qualify for a wide variety of careers.

In this context, the Department of Communication Studies offers students the opportunity to develop competencies in speech, analytical writing, and collaborative teamwork. In addition, the department offers opportunities for students to develop their capacity to engage in critical thinking, to apply communication concepts, to understand methods for the generation of knowledge, and to reflect on the ethical dimensions of their actions.